Khovanshchina


1979-01-01

This is the also the ONLY full-length performance of Mussorgsky's opera.
1
172 min

This performance, recorded live at the Bolshoi Opera in 1979, stars the great Russian bass Evgeny Nesterenko as Dosifei, the Old Believer at religious and psychological war with the new order, led by Prince Ivan Khovansky. The manipulative Khovansky is powerfully portrayed here by Alexander Vedernikov, another of the world’s greatest basses, little known outside of the Soviet Union. Marfa, one of Dosifei’s followers and a fortune teller, is sung by the legendary mezzo-soprano Irina Arkhipova in a performance of great authority and dignity. Russian opera at the Bolshoi is the genuine article and the remainder of the cast is equally impressive, from the mistrusting Prince Galitsyn of Evgeny Raikov to the clever, informing Shaklovity of Vladislav Romanovsky. The Bolshoi chorus and orchestra is conducted by Yuri Simonov.

Cast

Name Character Team
Yevgeni Nesterenko Dosifei Unowned
Irina Arkhipova Marfa Unowned
Evgeny Raikov Prince Galitsyn Unowned
Vladislav Romanovsky Shaklovity Unowned
Aleksandr Vedernikov Khovansky Unowned
Yuri Simonov Conductor Unowned